Pioli: ‘Fiorentina motivated for Conference League, Beltran left out’

“If I had to motivate my players for this, it’d be a terrible start to the season,” said Pioli in his press conference.

“We’ve had this date circled in our calendars since early July and we are ready for tomorrow. We’ve worked hard and have clear ideas of how we want to play. We know how important this preliminary round and progress in Europe will be.

“This is an opportunity to prove ourselves in Europe and we are aware that tomorrow will be one of the most complicated games. Polissya are talented, they have a smart and well-prepared coach, so we need a top level performance.”

Beltran was left out of the trip to Slovakia, as there are reports he is considering an €11m proposal from CSKA Moscow.

“He is at home because there is movement on the transfer market,” confirmed Pioli.

Fiorentina have been transformed during the summer and are still in flux, with reports of further transfers imminent.

“It takes time to get to know each other, but we have some very intelligent forwards and I am sure the right alchemy will develop between them.”

Veterans like David De Gea and new signing Edin Dzeko bring plenty of experience to the squad going into this European test.

“They are two champions, in good shape and highly motivated. They bring a lot of positive energy and it’s clear we expect a big contribution from them,” concluded the coach.